Large scale choral and orchestral concerts with professional soloists are amongst the most rewarding of the activities we do, and we know that they are popular with our audiences. However, these events are also more expensive than our smaller-scale concerts, don't often fit the requirements of funders, and are even less likely to cover their costs from ticket sales alone.

The past few years have been hugely problematic for the arts sector in the UK. Audience numbers are still not back to pre-Covid levels; there is increasing demand for funding; and everyone is feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis and rising costs. Brighton Early Music Festival is determined to return to a full programme of activities in 2023, including choral and orchestral concerts, but to do this with confidence we are seeking a new model for supporting these signature concerts.

For 2023 we are planning a concert with the BREMF Players and Baroque Collective Singers, conducted by John Hancorn and led by Alison Bury. They'll be joined in performance by Arculo Consort of Viols, and a team of brilliant young professional soloists. Buxtehude's Membra Jesu nostri is probably the finest choral work from the composer who most influenced J S Bach, and we would love to bring this to Brighton audiences.

We know that many of you love baroque music, and that you value the opportunity to see more unusual works performed by top quality artists. So we are asking for your support - can you help us raise £1000 to Bring Buxtehude to Brighton? If we can find 100 people to chip in £10 each, we'll be there - although every gift, however small, will be highly valued by the Festival.

The performance will take place on Saturday 28 October 2023 in St Martin's Church, Brighton, and it would be lovely to celebrate with audience members who had played a part in making the concert possible - will you join us?